Join Now
KyleesNan 
11:40pm, August 6, 2009
Well, I have crossed over and have joined the many of you as an oxygen user. I now have to be on oxygen. They told me on Friday and by Friday night had brought over this huge 2 part machine they called the concentrator, set it up in my living room, told me how to use it. They gave me two portable tanks and one huge one for backup in case of an electrical outage. The doctor told me I had to use the continuous flow portable tanks because my lungs would not trip the smaller ones. These things are HEAVY. There is no way I'm going to be packing them far. They said I was on 1.5 liters and needed it when I slept at night and when I was going to be walking more than 200 feet.
I told them work was my greatest offender and there was not a way in the world that oxygen was going to work at my work place and that is where I spend most of my time 4 days a week and the largest part of walking occurs. They said they had to go with what they had. I got one of the portables filled (they started the process for me) and traded it out to fill up the 2nd one. It's not filling up.
I am not happy about this oxygen development.
The only time I can think that I would have to have to use it when I'm not working is shopping. But when I use my disability permit I normally don't walk 200 ft into the store. And when I shop it is not continues walking like exercising it is stop and go. Sometimes it is, when you have to walk from one end of the store to other to get to a different department. There you go, more shopping online. Maybe walking to the kid's sports program.
I can't not walk outside because those tanks are to heavy to go very far. Probably could get something to pull/push it in. Think I would prefer getting a shopping cart like the bag ladies or a baby buggy. won't stand out in the crowd that way. I tried it walking to the car and back and that about did me in. I was winded by but my recovery was fairly quick. They said the oxygen would not make me feel any better, just protect my vital organs. Well, here we go, another new adventure.
Comments
It doesn't sound like a good one either! You'd think you would be rewarded for quitting instead of being gifted with oxygen! And how is the disability process going? I have never seen an employee on oxygen!
dgs
Shirley, you just described my daily life so I feel that I can honestly relate what I do.
I use 02 at night @ 2.5L. The doctor prescribed 2.0 but because I have a 50+ft tube (to use upstairs and down) the 02 company said to set it on 2.5.
I have the small portables and the one 2hr on a cart for backup in case of an elec. failure. I have not used the cart one in almost a year. I talked to the company and they furnished me with 3 of the small tanks and when I am on my last one, I call and they bring out 3 full.
I keep a full portable in my car. I turn it on and use it to my destination and then I take it off and just walk slowly and do a quite version of PLB. I use a shopping cart wherever availabale to be my helping hand just by holding on to it. The key for me to do anything without the 02 is slow and measured rest stops. At your job, if you are uncomfortable about them seeing you on 02, I would just take one of the tanks in and keep it handy but try to move around more slowly and see what you can do and if all else fails you may have to wear it but you are soooo right, it is heavy. Keep your oximeter handy at work and if you get concerned if you are not on the 02, check and see if your sats is 90 or above. I know that it is better for our lungs to have the supplemental oxygen but sometimes the situation just doesn't allow it.
There are some bad air days that I just want to stay on 02 all day and I do. I just plan to stay home on those days. You can do this as soon as all of your plans fall into place.
It is a big change but workable as you figure it out each day. I realize that you may or not be able to use anything I have said but if you do, Use it in good health. (did I just say that) LOL
Hang in,
Hugs,
Anna
PearlB
I get my bottles already filled because I have in house concentrator. I have several bottles in my car, in case I run out. I bought a big purse for my bottle that I carry around, everyone thinks it is my purse, so sometimes I put my things in it. like checkbook, lipstick and things I need with my bottle. I carry this on my shoulder. If I need my o2 it is right there. But now I need o2 all time so I still carry it this way. Bottle weighs about 4 lbs.
I hope this helps. This is not a bottle you fill yourself, these are bottles I get from the oxygen co.
Hang in there!
Hugs,
Carol
lacie2
Carol, that is a good tip about carrying a purse (or backpack) just large enough for one of the small 02 canisters and checkbook, etc. Right now I use the holster type furnished aby the 02 company and it is so bulky and hard to deal with. As I said above, I can go without during most days so I am not to that yet but I was cleaning out closets and was going to get rid of a lot of things including the larger purses that I have so now I will choose one to keep.
Shirley and Carol since we all are on concentrators, I am looking into the small portable ones that are concentrators and not the liquid oxygen or compressed oxygen delivery system. They operate portable by a battery and there is at least one that can be recharged by your auto cigarette lighter.
They can be expensive but they would preclude having to lug the compressed 02 canisters around. And you may be able to find used ones which aren't really a problem because they will be recondidtioned and the parts that expose us to anything is the hose and cannula which is disposable and replaceable anyway.
As I said before I am not on constant 24/7 but I expect that someday I will be there so I am trying to find out the good things now.
By the way, at this point, if anyone plans to fly, the concentrator is the only personal system that the airlines will allow onboard.
I will post any definite info that I have regarding this if and when I can get all lthe info.
Hugs,
Anna
PearlB
Hi Shirley! Welcome to the club! HaH! Well, we knew it was coming. It is a pain in the butt...but it will prolong your life and that is worth the inconvenience! I am on 3 at rest, 4 on exertion and 5 when I sleep with my BiPap machine. I only have one portable tank. It is one you fill yourself off of the big liquid gas tank. I can only be out about 2 or 3 hours without running out. It is very limiting. Unless, I use my concentrator, but it is big...not portable. big inconvenience. But, I am glad to be alive to complain about it! Hah! HOpe otherwise you are well. As you know, I have been dealing with some "stuff". I feel like I am just now coming up for air.
Love JOAnn
BreatheEasy
Well Shirley,
I had this nice little response written last night, went to send it and my puter froze....sigh....so here I am again! (Hopefully!!)
You have been given such good advice, there is very little I can add to it, except for one thing....and that is to try to keep a sense of humor about it all. I found it helps one relax and things aren't as discouraging. You hang in there, my friend, it is another change in your life, but it does have its advantages, too.... (Young people were more likely to call me ma'am, instead of "hey, you!).... :o)
Hugs
Joni
jamsnjazzy
Hi Shirley, I'm sorry that you have to be on oxygen. There are lots of little tips & can give you about living with the little "myrons" of the world and being at work. I don't want to overload you with advice. If you have any questions, I will be most happy to answer, just send me a pm. Stay calm and it'll all work out. Love Patti
pattiruf